A $2.5 million federal stimulus award is expected to go a long way in helping to rehabilitate several foreclosed or abandoned homes in two Gloucester County communities.

The money, which was secured by the county's Department of Economic Development through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program, will be used to purchase and fix up some 20 properties in Woodbury and Paulsboro, officials said Tuesday.

"These are tough economic times," said Freeholder Director Stephen Sweeney. "Through this program, there is a tremendous opportunity for citizens to become homeowners in the county and to keep our neighborhoods occupied and viable."

The county, which sought the funding earlier this year, will begin accepting applications on Aug. 19 from those interested in moving into these homes once they are rehabilitated.

When the funding was sought in February, there were 202 foreclosed homes in the county and 1,350 locked into pre-foreclosure proceedings.

The homes will sell for between $68,000 and $170,000 to "income-eligible" families earning between 50 percent and 120 percent of the area's median income.

"These homes might be the chance of a lifetime for qualified applicants," said Freeholder Joseph Brigandi Jr., liaison to the county Department of Economic Development. "These homes will add to the beauty of the neighborhoods."

Renovations to the homes will include roof replacements, new heating and air-conditioning units, new windows, better insulation, and plumbing and electrical work.

The county originally asked for $5.5 million, with hopes of purchasing and fixing up to 37 homes, but settled for the $2.5 million awarded by the federal government.

Once these homes are sold, the county will take that money and re-invest it back into the program to continue buying more properties.

"It's never a good time to have people be in these situations where they need help like this," said Brigandi. "With the economy being tough, this is a perfect time for us to get this funding to help people out."

Paulsboro and Woodbury were the only municipalities in the county to qualify for this program because of a need, according to Brigandi.

"Reinvesting in these neighborhoods keeps the affordable housing stock attractive," said Paulsboro Mayor John Burzichelli, who suggested this will help provide affordable housing to those who come to work in the anticipated Port of Paulsboro. "This will strengthen our neighborhoods and ensure that affordable housing is in place. ... You fix up two houses on a street and you have an immediate impact."

If enough applicants qualify, a lottery system will be used to ensure fairness.

Each interested applicant must fill out preliminary paperwork by Sept. 15. Preliminary applications are available through Jim Petkovits at Triad Associates by calling (856) 690-5749. They will also be available at the Paulsboro and Woodbury municipal buildings, as well at 115 Budd Boulevard in West Deptford.

More information can be found by going to www.triadhousingprogram.com.